Carnival Cruise Line has launched its 2018-2019 Program, offering Australians the largest number of cruises on the brand, according to a statement.

The cruise line’s new program features more than 70 sailings from Sydney and Melbourne, including a record 19 short cruises with weekend samplers and short local itineraries.

With 43 longer cruises to the idyllic islands of the South Pacific and New Zealand included, the new program represents an increase of 13 percent over 2018.

One highlight: The Carnival Legend sails from Sydney on an eight-day cruise to the South Pacific on November 24, 2019 with calls to Mare, Isle of Pines, Lifou and Noumea

Increased demand from the southern states has put Melbourne back on the map, the company said, with Carnival offering a series of round-trip itineraries from the port city to New Zealand over 13 nights, the South Pacific over 10 and 11 nights as well as a four-night cruise south to Tasmania.

On the calendar for May 2018 is Carnival Spirit’s cruise from Sydney to Singapore over 19 nights, with calls to Darwin and Bali and maiden visits to Koh Samui and Phuket in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

On the way to Singapore, Carnival Spirit will also stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Both Carnival’s Australia-based ships, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend, will enter drydock in May 2018.

Carnival Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said she was excited to deliver so many fun holiday options for Australians in the 2018-19 season.

“From Hobart to Ho Chi Minh City, Carnival will be dialing up the fun in 2018-19. We’ve got a record number of options on offer and with cruises from Asia to New Zealand, the Pacific and more short breaks than ever before – there will be something for every fun seeker in this program,” Vandekreeke said.